How much will it cost?
Start-up costs are relatively low for dog walking businesses. Your major expenditures at the beginning will be:
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Public liability insurance – covers you in case a member of the public makes a claim against you if they are injured. This will
probably cost you between £80-£150 per year.
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A police CRB check – Not compulsory but recommended to reassure your clients you are reliable. This will set you back just over £30.
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Flyers and business cards – flyering is still one of the most effective ways to target clients in your local area. You should be able to get 5,000 flyers printed for around £100.
Membership of the National Association of Registered Petsitters (NARP), which includes insurance and all the forms and paperwork you’ll need to get the business going, costs around £450 a year. Members are advised to charge around £10 an hour per dog. “That does vary somewhat, though,” advises William Taylor – so make sure you do some research into how much competitors in your area are charging before you decide on your fees.